Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Worksheet for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Patient Information
Name: [Patient’s Name]
Date: [Date]
Therapist: [Therapist’s Name]
Session: [Session Number]
Main Condition
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Current Issues
- Work stress
- Perfectionism: "I have to be perfect."
Goals
- Prepare for a difficult conversation.
- Increase participation in enjoyable activities and hobbies.
- Develop coping techniques to manage work-related stress.
Section 1: Understanding Your Stressors
Identify Stress Triggers
-
What specific situations at work cause you stress?
- [List stressful situations]
-
How do these situations affect your daily life?
- [Describe effects on mood, relationships, productivity, etc.]
Cognitive Distortions
- Identify any irrational beliefs related to your work stress.
- Example: "If I make a mistake, everyone will think I'm incompetent."
Reframe Distorted Thoughts
- What is a more balanced thought you could have instead?
- Example: "Everyone makes mistakes; I can learn from them."
Section 2: Preparing for a Difficult Conversation
What Conversation Needs to Happen?
- Identify the person: [Who do you need to talk to?]
- What is the main message you want to convey?
- [Write your main objective]
Step-by-Step Preparation
-
Outline the key points you want to discuss:
-
Identify potential reactions:
- What do you fear the other person might say?
- How will you respond to that?
-
Practice:
- Role-play the conversation with a friend or in front of a mirror.
-
Set an Intention:
- What is your intention for this conversation?
- Example: "I want to express my feelings calmly and seek mutual understanding."
Section 3: Addressing Perfectionist Mindset
Challenging Perfectionism
-
What does "being perfect" mean to you?
-
How could striving for perfection be hindering your progress?
-
What is a more realistic standard you can aim for?
- Example: "I will strive for excellence, not perfection."
Mindful Self-Compassion
- Write a self-compassion message to yourself:
- Example: "It's okay to not get everything right. I am doing my best."
Section 4: Increasing Participation in Enjoyable Activities
Identify Your Hobbies and Interests
-
List your current hobbies:
-
What new activities would you like to try?
- [List new hobbies or interests]
Scheduling Enjoyable Activities
- Plan your week:
- Dedicate specific times for enjoyable activities.
- Example: "Every Saturday from 2 PM to 4 PM, I will engage in [hobby]."
Reflect on Enjoyment
- After participating in an activity, take a moment to reflect:
- How did it make you feel?
- What did you enjoy most about it?
Section 5: Coping Techniques
Coping Strategies for Work Stress
-
Brain Dump:
- Take 5 minutes daily to write down all your thoughts and worries.
-
Mindfulness Breathing:
- Practice simple deep-breathing exercises to ground yourself during stressful moments.
-
Physical Activity:
- Dedicate time for at least 30 minutes of physical activity, whether it’s walking, stretching, or yoga.
Journaling Prompt
- Write in your journal about a stressful work day:
- How did you cope?
- What did you learn from this experience?
Section 6: Progress Monitoring
Weekly Reflection
- Reflect on this week:
- What situations caused you anxiety?
- How did you cope with work stress?
- Did you engage in enjoyable activities? Which ones, and how did they affect you?
Next Steps
- What do you plan to focus on in the upcoming week?
- [Write your goals for next week]
Therapist’s Comments:
[Space for feedback from the therapist on progress and next steps]
Signature:
Patient: __
Therapist: __
Note: Remember that change takes time, and it’s okay to seek help along the way. Embrace small victories, and be gentle with yourself throughout this process.